tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90786396448836200052017-12-12T00:25:16.053-06:00LOVE, THE PARSONSNicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-53209898834421796192017-12-08T13:43:00.000-06:002017-12-08T13:43:02.043-06:0037 WEEK BUMP UPDATE <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xUh5Eql3eQ/WirqIvaA9NI/AAAAAAAAAfM/cmvNjrvdhnoeVsSFMLByNXz6YWZiKGh4gCLcBGAs/s1600/B4A6E9AB-1826-4550-911F-A9181E84A8C4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xUh5Eql3eQ/WirqIvaA9NI/AAAAAAAAAfM/cmvNjrvdhnoeVsSFMLByNXz6YWZiKGh4gCLcBGAs/s1600/B4A6E9AB-1826-4550-911F-A9181E84A8C4.JPG" /></a></div><b>How far along: </b><span style="color: #333333;">37&nbsp;</span><span style="text-align: justify;">weeks + 2 days</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Days until due date:</b>&nbsp;Not. Many. At. All. Just under three more weeks but he'll come when he's ready.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Baby's development:&nbsp;</b></span></span>Baby boy now weighs between 6 and 7lbs and measures 19 inches in length. He's gaining that cute chubby fat every day and the brain and skull continue to grow. His lungs are more than capable of adjusting to life outside the womb and they now should be in the engaged position.<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>My bump:</b>&nbsp;Definitely out there! It all goes out at the front and not too much around my middle so I barely show when I am facing front on to people. My ass though has definitely gotten bigger but less&nbsp; said about that the better.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Stretch marks? </b><span style="background-color: white;">Still none yet. I have been told a few times though that it's the last few weeks that get you so i've been religiously oiling up in the hope that I don't get them.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Cravings:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;Not really. Still loving anything sweet like biscuits and chocolate but nothing specific that I MUST HAVE NOW. Apart from salad cream on my pasta bake this afternoon...that was a bit of a weird one.&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Sleep:</b>&nbsp;Awful. I make THE most ridiculous noises when trying to turn over in the night and the 4657 trips to the loo don't help either. What's really helped though is just surrendering to the fact that sleep won't be great for a while and napping whenever I can. Hey ho, it is what it is.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDDiNwR26K8/WirqIq3MNxI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GEMQH9ajYcklLrpwrX7HUdxs3zipoQbuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/E438FAB8-92F8-470C-9B33-A0DBF560DCB7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDDiNwR26K8/WirqIq3MNxI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GEMQH9ajYcklLrpwrX7HUdxs3zipoQbuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/E438FAB8-92F8-470C-9B33-A0DBF560DCB7.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: white;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;Hearing our little boy's heartbeat</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;at our midwife appointment on Wednesday. He's currently head down and starting to get engaged but unfortunately my tummy wasn't measuring as big as it 'should' have been so we were sent for a growth scan at the hospital this afternoon to check all is okay. Thankfully it is and he's spot on size wise! His estimated weight is 6lbs 7oz so we're really relieved.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b style="background-color: white;">Worst moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;The back pain. I've had a really sore lower back for a few weeks now (this baby boy is getting HEAVY) which makes walking too much a bit of a problem. Doing pregnancy yoga has really helped ease it up enough for me to not be housebound but it's really not fun.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Miss anything?</b>&nbsp;Champagne. All the champagne. It's like my Christmas brain has switched on and all it wants is a festive glass (or three).&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mood: </b>Impatient to meet our little boy. If he'd like to come early that would be A-OKAY with me!&nbsp;</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-38859629449977195832017-12-07T08:23:00.002-06:002017-12-07T10:00:35.671-06:002637 DAYS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEdP6OzZj78/WiWsbuxrYWI/AAAAAAAAAes/hzZ4rzzxkaU3JkTw0reZvRDHPuuYNf49wCLcBGAs/s1600/Ben%2Band%2BI%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEdP6OzZj78/WiWsbuxrYWI/AAAAAAAAAes/hzZ4rzzxkaU3JkTw0reZvRDHPuuYNf49wCLcBGAs/s640/Ben%2Band%2BI%2B.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's how long I have known Ben for. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">And that picture up there was taken the night that we met. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Friday 13th August 2010 / Girls night out in Hoxton / Copious amounts of wine consumed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I walked straight over to 'the cutie by the DJ booth who can dance', took his glasses off and gave him mine. I then said hello and we realised we had the same prescription. We chatted (about what I haven't a clue), we danced, we kissed and we drunkenly arranged a 'proper date' at my request. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our first date lasted hours. We had our first sober(ish) kiss on the escalators at Clapham South and he lent me his favourite jumper for my walk home. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">A week later on my birthday and after a big "family and best friends only kinda" meal in Hoxton he met my Mum and my best friend Richard. Rich had been notoriously hard to please in the past when it came to my boyfriends (in hindsight he was ALWAYS spot on) so when he said "oh wow Nic, I actually really like this one" it was game on for me. I had to make this one work. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seven years and quite a few hiccups later (mostly my fault I must add) here we are. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every single day I am thankful that I walked right up to him in that sweaty East London bar and grabbed his glasses straight off his face. Every single day. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">So thank you Ben for putting up with me and all my crazy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't wait to start this new adventure with you. You're going to be such an amazing Dad.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love you xxx<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">**this post first appeared on my old blog Our Little Balham Life</span></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-74859515093930317332017-11-23T04:28:00.003-06:002017-11-23T04:28:35.411-06:00THE POWER OF THE WET TOWEL <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRRQuZRRnsY/WhaDjhKUNHI/AAAAAAAAAeU/lpym3yi5jsoD2dk3ddsEiKBU-Bw8hQTcwCLcBGAs/s1600/towel%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRRQuZRRnsY/WhaDjhKUNHI/AAAAAAAAAeU/lpym3yi5jsoD2dk3ddsEiKBU-Bw8hQTcwCLcBGAs/s1600/towel%2B.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This may look like a poor quality picture of a wet towel on the floor and yes, you'd technically be right, but what it <u>actually</u> is is a representation of just how much I've started to not give a shit about certain things.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm *incredibly* tidy,&nbsp;<strike>bordering on</strike>&nbsp;definitely OCD, when it comes to keeping my home tidy and organised.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't think I've EVER left a wet towel on the floor overnight. NEVER.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Until now.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mean.. realistically.. was I gonna get my heavy pregnant ass up out of bed to put my hair towel on the radiator?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No. I. Was. Not.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And that was it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That OCD niggling feeling that I would've had before that <i>'I totally have to get up and out of bed to hang the towel up or I won't sleep' </i>was GONE.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's <i>kind</i> of like pregnancy is helping me prepare for the mess and unpredictability that comes with having a baby.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Isn't it clever.&nbsp;</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-57757218734380076862017-11-11T03:54:00.001-06:002017-11-11T03:54:57.380-06:00HAVE A COSY WEEKEND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VORRlu7fexE/WgbAEVXbFvI/AAAAAAAAAdc/o163_1ldvZcP7965Nw1xxgKIJaulqeVMACLcBGAs/s1600/winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VORRlu7fexE/WgbAEVXbFvI/AAAAAAAAAdc/o163_1ldvZcP7965Nw1xxgKIJaulqeVMACLcBGAs/s640/winter.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Goooood morning... what are your plans this weekend? Ben is up in London with his brothers and I've got my sister visiting for a cosy day in by the fire, drinking cups of tea and playing around with make-up looks in preparation for her wedding next April! I'm definitely going to have to have an early morning nap before she arrives though as I barely slept last night and currently looking more zombie than glowing muma-to-be.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have a good one. xoxo</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photo by my gorgeous Husband and stolen without his permission!&nbsp;</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-21283402117508210022017-11-09T15:02:00.000-06:002017-11-09T15:02:18.052-06:0033 WEEK BUMP UPDATE <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0ueSIbPeS8/WgTBtRanx_I/AAAAAAAAAdE/LIdzX2bcDcMhyJlVmuSlWcqM9c3bBBFMwCLcBGAs/s1600/33E371CA-A737-42E3-8C3C-2DE202019136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0ueSIbPeS8/WgTBtRanx_I/AAAAAAAAAdE/LIdzX2bcDcMhyJlVmuSlWcqM9c3bBBFMwCLcBGAs/s1600/33E371CA-A737-42E3-8C3C-2DE202019136.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: #333333;">How far along:&nbsp;</b><span style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;33 weeks + 1 day</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Days until due date:</b>&nbsp;47 days&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Baby's development: </b>Our baby boy is now about the size of a pineapple! Eeeesh! He weighs a little over 4 pounds and measures just over 17 inches.&nbsp;The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, meaning it's easier for his journey into the world! Thankfully.</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>My bump:</b>&nbsp;Big, round and firm. And in the way most of the time.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Stretch marks? </b><span style="background-color: white;">Still none yet! Wooo!! I don't think i've ever been so moisturised in my life.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Cravings:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;Anything sweet. Anything at all.&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Sleep:</b>&nbsp;Super excitingly our new mattress arrived today so i'm hoping that my sleep will get a little better because of that. No more rolling in towards the middle of the bed for us.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;I suppose the best moment of the past few weeks would be attending our Hypnobirthing Workshop and starting our NCT classes. I'm such a nerd when it comes to learning so having all this new information to sink my teeth into is awesome. The people in my NCT group are really lovely too so here's to hoping that we make some new friends!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Other highlights include living in the most beautiful place...</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oYgRGoS3zE/WgQmwSthmMI/AAAAAAAAAcs/rHiWiZFTFA0xTHWF5n2tlmebCyFpDao7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oYgRGoS3zE/WgQmwSthmMI/AAAAAAAAAcs/rHiWiZFTFA0xTHWF5n2tlmebCyFpDao7wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5139.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b style="background-color: white;">Worst moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;Unfortunately my hips have started to really ache which sucks. I've been doing some gentle stretches and am just going to keep an eye on things for now.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Miss anything?</b>&nbsp;Life before relentless heartburn.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mood: </b>Hmmm.... things have been VERY up and down lately. My hormones have certainly been a challenge. I'm talking hours and hours spent crying uncontrollably here, not just a little cry here and there! Thankfully it seems that the worst of it has passed so here's to keeping my head up and my heart strong.<br /><br />Love,<br />The Parsons x</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-78605702733916199522017-10-15T04:11:00.001-05:002017-10-15T04:11:08.000-05:0029 WEEK BUMP UPDATE <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZozSk1KabyU/WeMlZFLji3I/AAAAAAAAAbg/GHL0P-F45dE2d2Tx7ldJy0_YmbjPDr2BACLcBGAs/s1600/BFB41044-0F81-4B7F-A31B-7D4AEF92746C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZozSk1KabyU/WeMlZFLji3I/AAAAAAAAAbg/GHL0P-F45dE2d2Tx7ldJy0_YmbjPDr2BACLcBGAs/s640/BFB41044-0F81-4B7F-A31B-7D4AEF92746C.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0ri5NzUylM/WeMl8LL9nJI/AAAAAAAAAbo/X2GTGhSJllUXdyQthX74U_rN3dq7MJb-ACLcBGAs/s1600/22405794_10159613567300650_5889291104610952458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0ri5NzUylM/WeMl8LL9nJI/AAAAAAAAAbo/X2GTGhSJllUXdyQthX74U_rN3dq7MJb-ACLcBGAs/s640/22405794_10159613567300650_5889291104610952458_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #333333;">How far along:&nbsp;</b><span style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">29 weeks + 4 days &nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Days until due date:</b>&nbsp;72 days (!!)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Baby's development: </b>Baby boy is now about 38cm from the crown of his head to his heels and weighs between 2.5lb and 3.5lbs! He's not only fattening up by the day but moving tonnes too!&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: #333333;">His brain, which was once smooth, is gaining new folds and grooves as it becomes more complex and his bones continue to harden.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>My bump:</b>&nbsp;Big and firm! I absolutely love having a nice round tummy and I don't think i've ever felt so comfortable in my body. M</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">y belly button however is still super weird... it's "technically" in but does being pretty much flat really count as in? It slightly protrudes&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Stretch marks? </b><span style="background-color: white;">Nothing yet! I've still been oiling my tummy daily which is definitely helping the bigger I get.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Cravings:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;I've said this before but does ALL of the food count? Since being back home and being able to eat all the food i've missed over the last 9 months i've certainly been, well, "enjoying" them more than I maybe should be.&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Sleep:</b>&nbsp;Surprisingly my sleep has been quite good lately! I'm finally used to sleeping on my side and apart from the few toilet trips in the night i've been sleeping through from about 11pm when I go to bed till about 7am when we get up.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;Having quite a few members of our family feel our baby boy kick! It's so nice to share something so magical with them all and seeing their faces when it happens is priceless. Another awesome moment this week was receiving the <a href="https://www.jemandbea.com/collection/jemima-grey" target="_blank">Jem + Bea changing bag</a> that I won in an instagram competition! Review coming soon but it's pictured above... gotta take it out and test it before he arrives right?</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b style="background-color: white;">Worst moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;The relentless heartburn. All I have to say about it is that it's tiresome, boring and fucking uncomfortable.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Miss anything?</b>&nbsp;Being able to move around quickly, easily and without making involuntary grunting noises. I've become quite the slow walker which drives me crazy.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mood: </b>Settled and happy in our new home but mostly crazy excited to meet our little boy.&nbsp;</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-42515790770010956502017-10-13T09:50:00.001-05:002017-10-13T09:50:13.144-05:00A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST FEW WEEKS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UW-qZe6Mue8/WeDCOLuCdeI/AAAAAAAAAa8/-Nwh2PeIcAMQQ26kUDP7FKm8RrtOMtMFACLcBGAs/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UW-qZe6Mue8/WeDCOLuCdeI/AAAAAAAAAa8/-Nwh2PeIcAMQQ26kUDP7FKm8RrtOMtMFACLcBGAs/s640/Sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moving home. </b>We're back in the UK. Woo!! It's been a *very* hectic few weeks but we're here and things are finally feeling a bit more settled again. Moving internationally is just horrible. And doing it at 26 weeks pregnant makes it pure shite. But I can honestly say that I completely love our new home here in Tunbridge Wells and all that stress was worth it in a way.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Nesting. </b>I may be a little biased but I honestly think our new home is the most gorgeous one we've lived in so far. It was the third or fourth place that we looked at when we came down to TWells for the day to find somewhere to live and for me it was love at first sight; the huge rooms, tall ceilings, giant bathroom, working fireplace... the list went on. The Universe conspired (it always does) and we were able to move in just a few days after viewing it. Nearly two weeks later and it's really feeling like home. I mean...that fire...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx2s6FgApNQ/WeDAHQNiddI/AAAAAAAAAaw/xhvWSCwkPm0J33aMpKQsptbPiJ4EGnpEACLcBGAs/s1600/front%2Broom%2Binterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx2s6FgApNQ/WeDAHQNiddI/AAAAAAAAAaw/xhvWSCwkPm0J33aMpKQsptbPiJ4EGnpEACLcBGAs/s640/front%2Broom%2Binterior.jpg" width="512" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Having lots of baths. </b>This is a bit of a weird one to include but our new bath is so deep and big that i'm making the most of being able to have an uninterrupted bath before baby arrives. Throw in some candles, a good book and i'm a happy lady.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Family time. </b>Being so close to our families has been glorious. I really missed everyone when we were in Chicago and being so far away really proved hard for me. Everyone has been so supportive and amazing since we got back that we know we made the right decision to come home and have our baby surrounded by these all wonderful people. It takes a village after all.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_yt-Hqg-ZU/WeDCQtjUdkI/AAAAAAAAAbA/J5YY2_B8eGAvg9jV1eaw06Uk2B62Zv4vwCLcBGAs/s1600/Goblin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_yt-Hqg-ZU/WeDCQtjUdkI/AAAAAAAAAbA/J5YY2_B8eGAvg9jV1eaw06Uk2B62Zv4vwCLcBGAs/s640/Goblin.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Goblin.</b> It's so nice to have our Goblin back (after nearly a year!!) and wandering around the place being his typical sneaky self. I've missed him so much but thankful he's been looked after so well by Ben's mum this past year. He's been very much spoilt and i'm convinced he's waiting for when he can go back to stay with her again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow we're attending a Hypnobirthing workshop with <a href="http://hypnobirthtunbridgewells.com/" target="_blank">Hypnobirth Tunbridge Wells</a>&nbsp;and i'm so excited! I've been practising the relaxation track that Louise sent out when we booked and have found it really helpful in keeping a handle on my ever growing anxiety.&nbsp;<span id="goog_2114392417"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll be writing about it all so keep tuned!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do you have any plans this weekend you're looking forward to? I'd love to hear about them!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Parsons x</div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-19382905134423312052017-09-08T14:35:00.000-05:002017-09-08T14:35:10.083-05:0010 THINGS THEY NEVER TELL YOU ABOUT THE FIRST TRIMESTER <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When you hear about all the things you experience while pregnant the focus is almost always on the second and third trimester, with the first trimester getting completely ignored a lot of the time. A lot happens in those 12 or so weeks and I was pretty much in the dark as to what to expect so here is a list of the things I wish i'd known about!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I would also like to briefly mention that I really hope this post doesn't come off as an 'i'm not crazy grateful to be pregnant' post. I am crazy grateful of every second that i've been lucky enough to experience pregnancy. It's a complete honour and I don't ever take it for granted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here goes...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auuJ9i2DYu4/WbLv-ZwJCOI/AAAAAAAAAaM/Yq2QWbFJdtsc5Wim94WI61NetzMrsVH8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2610.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="749" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auuJ9i2DYu4/WbLv-ZwJCOI/AAAAAAAAAaM/Yq2QWbFJdtsc5Wim94WI61NetzMrsVH8QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_2610.png" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>1. You will feel exhausted. Seriously Bone tired.</b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn't realise how much making another human would take it out of me. For a good 10 or 11 weeks I napped every day when I got home from work and at least twice a day at the weekends. When I wasn't napping I was day dreaming about napping. When I wasn't day dreaming about napping I was talking about napping. My bed time moved forward about 4 hours till 7pm. Thank goodness it wore off at about week 14 as my productivity was serioouuuuslllly low.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Morning sickness is really ALL DAY sickness.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One thing for sure is that I was totally unprepared to feel so sick - all day, every day, for weeks. I knew that morning sickness was likely but no-one mentioned to me that it so rarely just strikes in the morning and it can feel relentless after a few weeks. Eating became a total chore of trying to find something that I could stomach (anything beige would usually be okay) and then feeling sick as soon as I managed to actually eat it. Sending out all my love to those women who have to struggle with HG. I can't imagine how hard that is.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. You might not feel glowing at all</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pregnancy glow my ass. I felt tired and looked even more tired. Even with all that napping. Suppose I should just get used to those dark circles eh?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Bloat McBloaty&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I really struggled with bloating between 5 and 10 weeks which meant I was in maternity trousers really quite early on. &nbsp;Anything I ate bloated me and some days I legit looked huge compared to normal. Again, this started to ease off the further along I became and the bloat was replaced by baby.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>5. Weird freaky dreams</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Vivid. Sometimes scary. Sometimes hilarious. Always bizarre. Who knows why this occurs but prepare yourself for some frequent WTF moments... (<a href="http://www.lovetheparsons.com/2017/08/21-week-bump-update.html" target="_blank">this one</a> is still my favorite yet)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>6. What's that smell?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Things smell more strongly and totally different than they did before you were pregnant. I felt like one of those sniffer dogs at the airport and everything and anything would set me off. I vividly remember walking to work one morning and the lady walking in front of us was eating a banana. That day I hated the banana smell. I wanted to grab the banana right out of her hand and chuck it in the bin. But then the smell of a bin on the street could make me gag. So yeah, it was annoying to say the least.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>7. Your boobs WILL be unbearably sore&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My boobs were and still are huge compared to before I got pregnant. It's been great in many respects but they were rock solid and crazy sore for weeks. I even had to go buy a bra that didn't hurt when I wore it. After about 11 weeks they kinda eased up in terms of soreness and&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjqdvy2LoE0/WbLwGUgGNkI/AAAAAAAAAaI/L2IUyf5stfo6kp6W2y-6M90oNdGFNv7IACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjqdvy2LoE0/WbLwGUgGNkI/AAAAAAAAAaI/L2IUyf5stfo6kp6W2y-6M90oNdGFNv7IACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2466.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>8. Am I actually even pregnant?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Much of the first trimester is a strange experience. You know that you are pregnant, but you don't look pregnant. You don't even feel pregnant most of the time. You can't feel the baby move yet and you will likely convince yourself that the baby has simply disappeared / never was there in the first place. I certainly did. Up until we had our dating scan at 8 weeks and I saw him up there with his tiny beating heart that feeling was constantly there.<br /><br />It's an odd and confusing time.<br /><br /><b>9. All the secret keeping&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Most women decide not to share the news that they are pregnant until they are in the relative 'safety' of the second trimester. For us personally, we decided to tell our family and closest friends earlier at about 6 weeks which meant that keeping the pregnancy a secret didn't really come up *phew*. I can't imagine how tough it would have been if we were back at home and waited till 12 weeks to tell people... and anyways, my sister and best friend would have caught on straight away!<br /><br /><b>10. It's overwhelmingly magical too</b><br /><b><br /></b>Last but not least... the whole process is overwhelming. <u>But in a really good way</u>. Life changed the second we did <a href="http://www.lovetheparsons.com/2017/06/how-we-found-out-we-were-pregnant.html" target="_blank">that first test</a> and the last six months have FULL of love, wonderment, gratitude and excitement. I've said it before and i'll say it again.. I wouldn't change one second of the whole journey.&nbsp;</div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-71795613965672154092017-09-02T17:48:00.000-05:002017-09-02T17:48:32.257-05:00SEPTEMBER SELF-CARE GOALS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMctsatf3AY/Wan5606i6fI/AAAAAAAAAZY/WHsN8wJXZPcNT9wW4JzTU8v6gam3NRcmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMctsatf3AY/Wan5606i6fI/AAAAAAAAAZY/WHsN8wJXZPcNT9wW4JzTU8v6gam3NRcmQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3877.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm writing this post in utter disbelief that it's September already. September means we're coming home. September means that we're only a few months away from meeting Baby Parsons. September is when everything changes for our little family again.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over this past year i've learnt a lot about myself and one of those things is that I need to <u>seriously</u> up my self-care regime when there's a big change coming. I find the stress of moving house, let alone moving internationally, incredibly tough. As I think most people can relate to, it's at times like these that it's easy for the little things that help (like meditation, eating well, being outside, yoga etc) to slide off my to-do list and be replaced by the mindless activities of eating crappy food, scrolling on my phone for hours and watching too much tv.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With so much uncertainty and transition happening this month i'm going to really try and create a safe and supported space for myself. Here's some of the things i'll be doing:</div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Really enjoy the rest of our time here in Chicago. </b>We've only got 18 days left before we move back to the UK and I want to really love every moment of it. This city has become so special to us; we spent our first year of marriage here, discovered we were pregnant here, worked awesome jobs and met some gorgeous people here. I'd hate for the last two weeks to be spent lazing on the sofa stressing about how much stuff we have to take back with us. Time to get up and out!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Read more fiction books. </b>Not just pregnancy and baby books. Getting lost in a brilliant story is one of the best feelings, especially when combined with a candlelit bubble bath and Ben Howard playing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Practice my <a href="http://hypnobirthtunbridgewells.com/?page_id=899" target="_blank">HypnoBirthing Pregnancy Relaxation</a> meditation daily. </b>I find that on the days i've listened to the relaxation track that I always feel more relaxed and the occasional thoughts that I have about giving birth on the lines of <i>"oh my god, I can't possibly do/survive/manage that"</i> are much easier to quiet.<br /><br /><b>Practice yoga more.</b> Since I've been pregnant i've really not enjoyed yoga very much... it's been a case of "i'm feeling achey so lets do a few stretches".<br /><br /><b>Treat my skin better.</b> Now the random breakouts have subsided a little it's time to get my skin care regime into nourish mode. All my skin has tolerated the past few months has been the Kiehls <a href="http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/category/cleansers-scrubs/midnight-recovery-botanical-cleansing-oil/KHL919.html" target="_blank">Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil</a>, Lush's <a href="https://uk.lush.com/products/tea-tree-water" target="_blank">Tea Tree Water</a> and Lush's <a href="https://uk.lush.com/products/cosmetic-lad" target="_blank">Cosmetic Lad</a> moisturiser. That's it. Nothing else. When i'm home it's time to start introducing back in a serum, eye cream and night oil on to of the daily self-massages with my body oil to try prevent stretch marks! I know this may seem like such an odd &amp; not-important thing to focus on but i've always found that spending time looking after my skin and body an act of self-love.<br /><br /><b>Eat nourishing foods.</b> Less sugar, more whole foods.<br /><br />What are the ways that you look after yourself in times of change?</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-20419402369169255912017-08-31T09:09:00.004-05:002017-08-31T09:09:44.509-05:0023 WEEK BUMP UPDATE <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9WvXeJpD5o/Wad7FW2ZgsI/AAAAAAAAAYo/FOVMGxyx1NUiJZDRhzC4xAQMnHY2pfBKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9WvXeJpD5o/Wad7FW2ZgsI/AAAAAAAAAYo/FOVMGxyx1NUiJZDRhzC4xAQMnHY2pfBKACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3868.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">^^I'm so very elegant^^</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: #333333;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: #333333;">How far along:&nbsp;</b><span style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">23 weeks + 1 day&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Days until due date:</b>&nbsp;118</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Baby's development:&nbsp;</b></span></span>Baby Boy Parsons is about as big as a grapefruit now. He's 11 inches from head to toe and weighs about 500g.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>My bump:</b>&nbsp;</span></span>Growing day by day which I totally love. My belly button is on its way out though. It's gone very flat, very wide and very weird-looking. It freaks me out a little if I’m honest! The sooner it pops the better.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Stretch marks? </b><span style="background-color: white;">None still thankfully! I ran out of my Clarins Tonic Oil a week or so ago and as it's much more expensive over here i'm gonna wait till we're home to repurchase. I bought the <a href="https://www.honest.com/bath-and-body/organic-belly-balm" target="_blank">Honest Company Belly Balm</a> as my interim tummy stretch mark preventer and i've been pleasantly surprised! I still favour my Clarins oil as it sinks into the skin quicker and well, ya know, the smell...but the balm feels super moisturising and luxurious too. I'm thinking the perfect combo is the Clarins in the morning and the Honest Balm at night. A lady can never be too moisturised after all.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2MmqwnQznE/Wad8x1fym-I/AAAAAAAAAY4/5sAjC1dqemgtEjr5jCjpAeINOJ_XsFG-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3867%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2MmqwnQznE/Wad8x1fym-I/AAAAAAAAAY4/5sAjC1dqemgtEjr5jCjpAeINOJ_XsFG-QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3867%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white;">Cravings:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;Does ALL THE FOOD count?</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Sleep:</b>&nbsp;It's gotten a lot better the past few weeks. The dreams are still bonkers and the toilet breaks annoying but the "wide awake at 3pm for a couple of hours" episodes have thankfully dramatically improved.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;The other night as I was listening to a pregnancy relaxation track from <a href="http://hypnobirthtunbridgewells.com/?page_id=899" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;I could feel Baby P moving around more than I ever have before. I had my hands resting on my tummy and every kick, punch, swirl, ripple and pop was really pronounced. I called Ben in straight away and it was just such a magical moment to share with him and the baby.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I've never been so grateful in my entire life.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b style="background-color: white;">Worst moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;The breathlessness is getting silly now. I know it's completely normal during pregnancy but it feels so odd to have to pause and taking a breath if i'm walking and talking. Or going up a flight of stairs. Or even a couple of stairs. It's kinda ridiculous.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Miss anything?</b>&nbsp;Nothing, except everything that i've mentioned in my <a href="http://www.lovetheparsons.com/search/label/pregnancy" target="_blank">last updates</a>.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mood: </b>I&nbsp;can't wrap my head around the fact that we head home back to the UK in just 19 days. I flit daily between being utterly over the moon excited about it and then completely devastated that we have to leave this gorgeous city that's become Home. It's likely the hormones making it worse but it's a complicated and confusing time for this pregnant lady.<br /><br />On the whole though am feeling happy, relaxed and very much enjoying this stage in my pregnancy.&nbsp;</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-81647551824592095122017-08-25T09:28:00.000-05:002017-08-25T09:28:04.796-05:00A FEW LITTLE LOVES <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcCqvFrKH4A/WZ99XEIDerI/AAAAAAAAAYU/vyjd1e7bvQ86XqPZs2KnJpNu0mNCqSJRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcCqvFrKH4A/WZ99XEIDerI/AAAAAAAAAYU/vyjd1e7bvQ86XqPZs2KnJpNu0mNCqSJRgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3791.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">♥ Two of my favourite people are getting married next year which makes me SO HAPPY...my Sister and my bestie Richard. And i'm in both weddings which makes things extra special.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">♥ I've only got two more weeks of work left over here and feeling all sorts of feels about that. I've grown to really love the team i'm working in so if they could move to the UK that would be great.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egYakf-b9gA/WZ98X_X0OYI/AAAAAAAAAYM/u6nxFzmDRSocgyrXDp7ZqriuZypxFeucwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egYakf-b9gA/WZ98X_X0OYI/AAAAAAAAAYM/u6nxFzmDRSocgyrXDp7ZqriuZypxFeucwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3754.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">♥For my birthday Baby P gifted me an Instax Fuji camera and i'm obsessed. There's something really special about having instant physical photos and I've decided when i'm back in the UK it's time to get creating photo albums.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">♥ I think about the food that i'm gonna eat when I get back home for a good 80% of my day. Feeling pretty thankful that I can blame the upcoming gluttony on the baby.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">♥ We're off to mooch around the Baby Show in Chicago this Sunday and I just literally booked us tickets for the London Baby Show in October too! It's all baby, baby, baby....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have a wonderful weekend!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Parsons&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-3797945698099118482017-08-23T19:33:00.002-05:002017-08-23T19:33:58.778-05:00CURRENTLY / 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RL_UEeXd8iI/WZ38B3yIBMI/AAAAAAAAAXo/wwMOAw986Es59ddxmDUAVd2LuT-p7ThmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RL_UEeXd8iI/WZ38B3yIBMI/AAAAAAAAAXo/wwMOAw986Es59ddxmDUAVd2LuT-p7ThmgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thinking / That I got seriously lucky when I married Ben. It was my birthday on Sunday and for the whole weekend he looked after me like some kind of dreamboat husband, especially as I spent much of the weekend homesick and weapy! I'm talking cuddles when ever I wanted them (which was 90% of the time), cups of tea and treats on tap, Sunday night trips to get donuts (in the rain), breakfast at my favourite spot and then I was spoilt rotten with presents from him and Baby P.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So. lucky.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We got dressed up and went out for dinner on Saturday night to celebrate and it was just so bizarre to think that was my last birthday before we have Baby P.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZm4WuTlMEw/WZ38HmOaL6I/AAAAAAAAAXs/1zgK-G6Rv7Q7zgZnt5aulnwbnb4tDWFqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZm4WuTlMEw/WZ38HmOaL6I/AAAAAAAAAXs/1zgK-G6Rv7Q7zgZnt5aulnwbnb4tDWFqACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3738.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur3I1m5FJ6Y/WZ38IOYatRI/AAAAAAAAAXw/lIyEPD-VfYMwWZHJZngV_QY1_1i0nDg7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur3I1m5FJ6Y/WZ38IOYatRI/AAAAAAAAAXw/lIyEPD-VfYMwWZHJZngV_QY1_1i0nDg7gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3743.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We took ourselves to GT Prime for steak and we could not recommend it highly enough. The food was absolutely delicious, the atmosphere lovely, the service was on point and did I mention the food? Straight from Heaven.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happening now /&nbsp;Bum on sofa, candles twinkling and watching David Attenborough.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wearing /&nbsp;Pj's. Well actually Ben's Pj's because comfort is THE ONLY GOAL these days my friends.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reading /&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daniellelaporte.com/what-becomes-possible-when-you-say-no/" style="text-align: justify;">This</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> article. Which basically blew my mind. The possibilities of No.</span></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-58516082482504567572017-08-17T14:37:00.001-05:002017-08-17T14:37:32.332-05:0021 WEEK BUMP UPDATE <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksj24uAOeAA/WZXpIxazUhI/AAAAAAAAAW4/PeD3A150O1ws8lqi2jyMuklDj1KRudOrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksj24uAOeAA/WZXpIxazUhI/AAAAAAAAAW4/PeD3A150O1ws8lqi2jyMuklDj1KRudOrwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3685.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div>Reaching the halfway point and getting out of the 'teens' feels like such a big milestone in this pregnancy! It's the one that i've been looking forward to the most since we found out we were pregnant those many moons ago. I mean, I feel like i've been setting myself little milestones since we found out (reaching 12 weeks, then the start of the second trimester at 14, feeling him move for the first time) but getting over half way was the big one!!&nbsp;</div><div><br /><b style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">How far along:&nbsp;</b><span style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">21 weeks + 1 day&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Days until due date:</b>&nbsp;130</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Baby's development:&nbsp;</b></span></span>Baby Boy Parsons is about as big as a carrot now. He's 10.5 inches from head to toe and weighs about 360g!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>My bump:</b>&nbsp;Bump is still growing and has started to take on that nice round, pregnant-belly shape! I'm rather thankful that i've not reached that stage where people look at me and realise that i'm pregnant rather than just bloated or chubby. I'm now getting strangers congratulate me and ask when i'm due which is lovely.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OB98iDhaNTA/WZXpMgF1l9I/AAAAAAAAAW8/lXxOXQVLXuwBV4F5vOkhSDNsWS5KkAFFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OB98iDhaNTA/WZXpMgF1l9I/AAAAAAAAAW8/lXxOXQVLXuwBV4F5vOkhSDNsWS5KkAFFQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3684.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;">^^ A true representation of how I feel most of the time ^^</span></span><br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;None yet but I noticed a varicose vein on my boob the other day. Odd. Loving the bigger boobs though.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Cravings:</b>&nbsp;Nothing really – I can’t manage to eat big meals so am enjoying lots of little snacks and *trying my hardest* to keep them as healthy as possible.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Sleep:</b>&nbsp;Don't even get me started on the weird pregnancy dreams. Last night I had a dream that I was in a plane crash,&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">my teeth fell out and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;that Ben looked like <a href="http://itsalwayssunny.wikia.com/wiki/Frank_Reynolds" target="_blank">Frank</a>&nbsp;from Always Sunny (image below for those that don't watch it)...</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGkB3mnI2fE/WZXoKtMnYnI/AAAAAAAAAWw/mZBx2DosbQ4mHgzuhGVNBXfnNStzKpHIACLcBGAs/s1600/sunny5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="375" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGkB3mnI2fE/WZXoKtMnYnI/AAAAAAAAAWw/mZBx2DosbQ4mHgzuhGVNBXfnNStzKpHIACLcBGAs/s640/sunny5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Safe to say I definitely didn't feel rested when I woke up this morning.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;</span>Having our mid point anatomy scan which I can honestly (and so very gratefully) say was one of the wonderful experiences of my life to date. I was really quite nervous beforehand but the moment that we saw him up on the screen I felt all that anxiety dissolve away and be replaced by pure love for this little boy.<br /><br />He was laying upside down with his head in my pelvis and his feet up by my tummy button and I couldn't get over how much he was spread out over my tummy now. For a good portion of the scan he wouldn't move from on his side to help out the Sonographer get a picture of the left side of his heart that I was given 10 minutes to dance and jump around the room like a lunatic to get him to move. But nope... the boy was comfy and not moving for nothin'. We all had quite the giggle over that and eventually she got the shot.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVdgQ6LHk2U/WZXsfijRLJI/AAAAAAAAAXI/qo_d120nLTkwN-x9G2P2S1GXNQR4ZX2aACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVdgQ6LHk2U/WZXsfijRLJI/AAAAAAAAAXI/qo_d120nLTkwN-x9G2P2S1GXNQR4ZX2aACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkApxUQ47f4/WZXsgQVDxwI/AAAAAAAAAXM/eWTRC9bKKGw2yR0hk4QJMJIGbs_m9Ws5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkApxUQ47f4/WZXsgQVDxwI/AAAAAAAAAXM/eWTRC9bKKGw2yR0hk4QJMJIGbs_m9Ws5wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Worst moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;The anxiety leading up to the scan. That and the constant toilet breaks in the night. Bored of those already.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Miss anything?</b>&nbsp;All the British food that i'm gonna stuff my face with when I get home next month! That and our loved ones back in the UK of course... &nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;Much more frequent and noticable! I feel him moving around a lot more now (mainly when i'm relaxed at home and resting) and even though my placenta is located at the front some of his kicks can be felt by Ben when he has his hand on my tummy. He's obviously kicking pretty hard.&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I will say that even though it's the oddest and bizarre feeling it's also the best. Once I got used to it that is.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mood: </b>Up and down but mostly up. We're both so excited about getting home and sharing this experience with everyone that it's all we talk about now. That and the plans we have for his nursery. And what baby swag we're excited to get. And what he might look like. And how crazy excited we are about meeting him. And how much he's loved by everyone already....yeah, there's a lotta baby talk around these parts these days.<br /><br /></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-56493578514599255922017-07-28T11:07:00.001-05:002017-07-28T11:07:24.075-05:00A FEW LITTLE LINKS FOR THE WEEKEND<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tqW1oAp9Yi4/WXtgNXgRqLI/AAAAAAAAAWM/pOW5Y5LEpXEXWzxFiWpgrcWb5bxtHYRqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3162.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tqW1oAp9Yi4/WXtgNXgRqLI/AAAAAAAAAWM/pOW5Y5LEpXEXWzxFiWpgrcWb5bxtHYRqACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3162.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Obsessed with <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/na/podcast/dirty-mother-pukka/id1228708907?mt=2">this podcast</a> at the moment. The perfect preparation for parenthood.<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Day dreaming about living in <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/house-tour-a-sophisticated-renovated-chicago-loft-246525?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fmain+%28AT+Channel%3A+Main%29">this </a>apartment, visiting <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/511580838903043510/">this</a> place and napping <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/215187688425518960/">here</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Looking forward to reading <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parenting-Sh-t-Out-Life/dp/1473665760/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1497968944&amp;sr=8-2">this book</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80117552">Ozark</a>. One episode in and i'm hooked.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/storksak-alexa-bag-black/p3169243">only diaper bag</a> that i've found that I remotely like the look of.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.jemandbea.com/collection/mama-clutch-blush">This MAMA Clutch bag.</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I spent a lot of time lately diving into the depths of <a href="http://publicdomainreview.org/">The Public Domain Review</a> and <a href="http://publicdomainreview.org/2013/03/20/mary-toft-and-her-extraordinary-delivery-of-rabbits/">this essay</a> was my favourite. Mary Toft and Her Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbits. What a title.</div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-1972272682648652432017-07-27T14:43:00.002-05:002017-07-27T14:43:18.674-05:00A LIST OF 'SHOULDS'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O04z829m8x8/WXpAMuGaMGI/AAAAAAAAAV0/CCpRFFePE20-byaRDSq_BXTD9zRyotENQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1459" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O04z829m8x8/WXpAMuGaMGI/AAAAAAAAAV0/CCpRFFePE20-byaRDSq_BXTD9zRyotENQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3334.JPG" width="582" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are the things that I probably <u>should</u>&nbsp;do this weekend...but probably won't.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Deal with the ironing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not eat any pizza. It's so hard in Chicago.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not moan about the humidity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wear real clothes and not just my pajamas.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eat less chocolate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Actually make some decent headway with the book i'm reading. Reading one page at night before I fall asleep just isn't cutting it and at that rate I won't finish the bloody book till 2020.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Get my ass on my yoga mat.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I predict that a good 3/4 of that list will remain undone in favour of napping and snuggles with Ben on the sofa, but a girl needs to dream right?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What is your to-do list looking like for the weekend?</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-67432585945583519432017-07-26T15:31:00.001-05:002017-07-26T15:31:34.546-05:0018 WEEK BUMP UPDATE<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV-zW1MYnQE/WXj7gyWXyNI/AAAAAAAAAVA/u15hDZ5A2UwdGWNEp68VQRaj8eQ12k8owCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV-zW1MYnQE/WXj7gyWXyNI/AAAAAAAAAVA/u15hDZ5A2UwdGWNEp68VQRaj8eQ12k8owCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3402.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><b style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">How far along: </b><span style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">18 weeks today</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Days until due date:</b>&nbsp;154&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Baby's development: </b>Baby Parsons is now the size of an artichoke which is about 5.6 inches long! He's also yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing too. Not only that but he's twisting, rolling, punching and kicking in there and is big enough that I might start to feel him more. The crazy thing I can't wrap my head around is that his weight will increase about six-fold over the next month!</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>My bump:</b>&nbsp;Definitely there.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWD39bO20_o/WXj7nAzcysI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Q_SoEBJq4IUCZYwsC9fadloNGtqvQsN_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWD39bO20_o/WXj7nAzcysI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Q_SoEBJq4IUCZYwsC9fadloNGtqvQsN_wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;Not yet thankfully. Am slathering on my oil twice a day which is definitely helping.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Cravings:</b> Am still loving&nbsp;pretty much anything savoury but no weird cravings apart from that.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Sleep:</b>&nbsp;Terrible. But that's mainly down to our REALLY creaky bed and my constant toilet breaks in the night! I've now got a pregnancy pillow to try so fingers crossed that will make an improvement.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0O_APVkTvAc/WXj7pAylB7I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Ma2kAgHdO_sj_AaPCEcimgOv4D0J8HBRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0O_APVkTvAc/WXj7pAylB7I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Ma2kAgHdO_sj_AaPCEcimgOv4D0J8HBRgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;Going to see a baseball game at Wrigley Field on Saturday. We were in the company box, behind home plate...AND the Cubs won. After the game we decided to walk the 4 miles home which was really relaxing actually and helped stretch out my tight hips!&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Worst moment this week:</b>&nbsp;The three day headache that started Sunday night. Thankfully a session at the Chiropractors (complete with an hours massage) really helped and i'm finally feeling better!&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Miss anything?</b>&nbsp;Sharing a bottle of prosecco with my Sister and Laura.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;A few flutterings here and there but nothing constant.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqTrAOTdqI0/WXj7pMJlZ1I/AAAAAAAAAVI/EEj5aX1fNb8tezdL3SFsTt6VgdSgsS4XQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqTrAOTdqI0/WXj7pMJlZ1I/AAAAAAAAAVI/EEj5aX1fNb8tezdL3SFsTt6VgdSgsS4XQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3363.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mood: </b>Excited. Crazy excited. I can't believe that in just 22 weeks we're gonna meet our little boy. So fucking surreal.<br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Looking forward to:</b>&nbsp;Getting home in September and eating all of the British food that i've missed these past 7 months!<br /><br />Am currently missing:<br /><br /><ul><li>My Nan's homemade ham, egg and chips</li><li>Crumpets and jam&nbsp;</li><li>A Proper bacon sandwich</li><li>My Mum's pancakes with lemon and sugar&nbsp;</li><li>Fish and chips from the&nbsp;</li><li>Dishoom curry</li><li>A proper ham and cheese sandwich</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>I'm gonna eat so much that first week were back. Send help!!&nbsp;</div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-69416924997172444662017-07-21T10:59:00.001-05:002017-07-21T10:59:08.290-05:00PREGNANT LADY RAMBLINGS<div style="text-align: justify;">The most magical thing happened last night.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No not that, get your brain out of the gutter.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I slept for 8 hours STRAIGHT THROUGH.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was fucking miraculous.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Any other pregnant ladies out there will understand the magnificence of this occasion. For the past 13 or so weeks I've been taking three or so toilet breaks in the night and even though I never fully wake up every time I go <i>*it's kinda like sleepwalking to the loo*</i> it doesn't make for feeling nice and rested come morning.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And then this morning at 5.15am <i>*yes, yes, work backwards and figure out my super early bed time*</i> I woke up with the most beautiful orange light streaming through the blinds and didn't believe my eyes when I looked at the clock and saw that it was already morning. I did my usual half asleep journey to the loo and then sat myself on the balcony to watch the sunrise.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Which was utterly beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW7M9lSkJLc/WXIjqi2yKZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/pCDEsoPEU6kcWrV1R7VkERDbLDmRJmYiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW7M9lSkJLc/WXIjqi2yKZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/pCDEsoPEU6kcWrV1R7VkERDbLDmRJmYiACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">#nofilternecessary&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This might be the most random / non-event I've ever blogged about but it just had to be done. Sorry, not sorry.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Parsons x&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-2559329205317999352017-07-17T13:17:00.001-05:002017-07-17T13:17:37.056-05:0016 WEEK BUMP UPDATE <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAmGv90G998/WWz9nfysaII/AAAAAAAAAUM/qnelafGR_kUmpk8fsNx8-cuWW-TH2ubewCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAmGv90G998/WWz9nfysaII/AAAAAAAAAUM/qnelafGR_kUmpk8fsNx8-cuWW-TH2ubewCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3278.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">How far along: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: justify;">16 weeks &amp; 5 days</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Days until due date:</b> 163 days&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Baby's development:</b></span></span>&nbsp;<i>"At 16 weeks pregnant, baby is the size of an avocado, measuring 4.6 inches long and weighing in at 3.5 ounces.&nbsp;At &nbsp;17 weeks, baby is the size of a pomegranate and will measure about 5.1 inches long and weigh about 5.9 ounces."</i>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I'm 16 weeks and 5 days i'm thinking that Baby Parsons is somewhere in between those two. He's able to listen to my voice thanks to tiny bones forming in his ears and is growing hair, lashes and eyebrows now too. His skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker. Go Baby Boy!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>My bump:</b>&nbsp;My tummy is still continuing to pop out gradually and is starting to feel a lot harder and firmer now. I was so bloated for so long that I've kind of gotten used to having a tummy now but it certainly feels bigger than it looks.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Stretch marks?</b> Apart from a few that I got on my boobs early on none so far! Still slathering on my <a href="http://int.clarins.com/en/tonic-body-treatment-oil--firming-toning-/C020101003.html" target="_blank">Clarins Tonic Oil</a> which I love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Cravings:</b> Tomato Juice and Olives</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Sleep:</b> Am sleeping okay at the moment minus the three or so toilet breaks during the night. I'm kind of used to it now so it's not bothering me hugely. I've always slept quite on my right side or tummy so changing the habit of a lifetime is proving tough... when we get back to the UK the first thing I'm going to do is buy myself a pregnancy pillow...&nbsp;I've&nbsp;got my eye on <a href="http://www.mothercare.com/feeding-pillows/dreamgenii-pregnancy-and-feeding-support-pillow/933928.html" target="_blank">this</a>&nbsp;one.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Symptoms: </b>Heartburn...which is a total bitch.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Hearing Baby Parson's nice and strong heartbeat at our hospital appointment this morning...see silly picture at the top of this post!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Worst moment this week:</b> The&nbsp;seemingly&nbsp;constant heartburn and h</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">aving to go to the toilet all the damn time. The compressed bladder and need to drink more water sucks.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Miss anything?</b> Being able to comfortably sleep on my tummy...such a bummer.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Maternity clothes:</b> Every single day. Being comfortable is the only thing I care about. I've been so lucky that the maternity section in our nearest H&amp;M is pretty good so have stocked up on some relatively cheap staples that are seeing me through.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">Clearly i'm loving the stripes....</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vg8w3zQIt8/WWz9nRGnarI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/loV_Man9FEs7cIadQ4bQETEN7GWIeAPBgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vg8w3zQIt8/WWz9nRGnarI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/loV_Man9FEs7cIadQ4bQETEN7GWIeAPBgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Movement:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> The other day when I was laying down on the sofa nice and relaxed I started to feel an odd fluttering in my tummy... it was so unlike anything I've felt before which makes us (and our Dr.) think that it was Baby Parsons! Ben popped a hand on my stomach and could feel it too!! Our Dr. said that at this point feeling the babies movement will be still quite&nbsp;sporadic but it was good to know what to look out for more as time goes on.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mood: </b>Anxious to get home back to the UK and create a new home for our growing family! The desire to nest is SO strong at the moment but I'm trying my hardest to enjoy our remaining time here instead. What was fun though was having a mooch around one of the baby stores here in Chicago to get a feel for what kind of pram we might get when we're home! I loved it! One of the things i'm most excited about purchasing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNPqLhOQRos/WWz9nRDTD3I/AAAAAAAAAUI/_48YKOtQ1SUH24QGGgsRcUTEzU0-p3pAACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNPqLhOQRos/WWz9nRDTD3I/AAAAAAAAAUI/_48YKOtQ1SUH24QGGgsRcUTEzU0-p3pAACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3213.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Looking forward to:</b>&nbsp;Our 20 week half way point ultra sound Scan so we can see our little man again! We're scheduled for the 14th August so will be a nice early birthday treat for me!</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-5673460441238395102017-07-15T18:02:00.000-05:002017-08-23T17:21:14.332-05:00CURRENTLY / 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5wYd9a2xmo/WWqcqZvNzSI/AAAAAAAAAT0/1pGY8NU3q68RbJ7dmZV1InO2x_mEcVOywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5wYd9a2xmo/WWqcqZvNzSI/AAAAAAAAAT0/1pGY8NU3q68RbJ7dmZV1InO2x_mEcVOywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">drinking / tomato juice... obviously</div><div style="text-align: justify;">eating / olives</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">loving / all of the baby clothes we've got already but especially the "I need a NEW BUTT" book</div><div style="text-align: justify;">practicing / being kinder to myself when i'm having a bad day&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">wearing / my pj's and a snuggly blanket</div><div style="text-align: justify;">mastering / the art of dressing my growing tummy</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">missing / my family and friends tremendously</div><div style="text-align: justify;">reading / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BCWZWW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1" target="_blank">The City of Mirrors</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">working / &nbsp;on minimising all of the beauty products I own</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">listening / to the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-such-thing-as-a-fish/id840986946?mt=2" target="_blank">No Such Thing As A Fish</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/dirty-mother-pukka/id1228708907?mt=2" target="_blank">Dirty Mother Pukka</a> podcasts</div><div style="text-align: justify;">enjoying / watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3488298/" target="_blank">American Crime</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">wanting / to eat proper english homemade food again</div><div style="text-align: justify;">excited / to get back to the UK, find our new home and make it our own&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-20315036094805834132017-07-14T14:26:00.001-05:002017-07-14T14:26:13.559-05:00THOSE PREGNANCY CRAVINGS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eruvGlsqNXA/WWkaeDHFwZI/AAAAAAAAATc/pJercxYs1hgJ8zN6lFOwFOoXH3ksXesGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eruvGlsqNXA/WWkaeDHFwZI/AAAAAAAAATc/pJercxYs1hgJ8zN6lFOwFOoXH3ksXesGwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well well well...I've gotten my first weird pregnancy craving.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tomato Juice.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let me start by stating that i've HATED the idea, the smell and the taste of it for years. Those people who love a Bloody Mary at Brunch? No. Thank. You. Ugh.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Give me prosecco with Brunch any day.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh... a tall glass of cold prosecco....how I miss you.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, I digress, back to the tomato juice.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday it was all I could think about. And then the pod cast I was listening to (No Such Thing As A Fish) told a fact about Tomato Juice being tastier when you're on a plane or some such and that was it. I NEEDED TO HAVE SOME. The Universe was conspiring.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I picked up a bottle and grabbed a nice big pot of Olives as a snack (another of my favourites at the moment) to have along side the juice.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I tucked in and had a total moment. IT WAS THE BEST.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was seriously happy with myself.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And rather quite surprised by the whole thing.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you Little Baby Parsons. One less thing for me to hate. Now... where's the rest of that Tomato Juice?</div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-46460566981457500142017-07-08T09:39:00.001-05:002017-07-08T09:44:37.699-05:00EARLY PREGNANCY DIARY<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEUvaWa8CbI/WWDuX5xkTJI/AAAAAAAAATE/k42907xSqP8BtZjbXssUQgW75Q686KshQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEUvaWa8CbI/WWDuX5xkTJI/AAAAAAAAATE/k42907xSqP8BtZjbXssUQgW75Q686KshQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3215.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />As soon as we found out we were pregnant I started to keep an early pregnancy diary.<br /><br />I found it so unbelievably reassuring reading other women's experiences of their first few weeks. So many women don't talk about the first trimester as it's such a personal &amp; frankly quite scary time that I devoured the few blogs &amp; vlogs that I did find.<br /><br />My hope is that if I can make anyone feel just a little reassured with this post then i'm a happy lady.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So...here goes, my experience of the first trimester!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 4</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So.. <b>we just found out we're expecting</b> and i'm four and a half weeks gone which means that little Baby Parsons is only the size of a poppy seed at the moment. Crazy. I've been feeling pretty dizzy most of the time and utterly exhausted. I've been sleeping a solid 10 hours most nights and more so at the weekend. Bed is my best friend.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My boobs are also massive (for me) and super tender. It's kind of like the feeling you get before your period but much worse! My regular bras are now so uncomfortable so i went to VS last night and bought the comfiest bra I could get my hands on...my boobs thanked me today that's for sure.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 5</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Things are getting along but boy does it feel like time is creeping along at snails pace! I kind of just wish that it would be 12 weeks already so we can relax a little more. I never thought that I would be this anxious but I really am. The fear of miscarrying feels so real and is there all time time.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This past week i've felt just as exhausted but with a sicky feeling in my tummy thrown in which has been pretty gross. I have a feeling that it might get worse!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bloating. Lets talk about the bloating... it's the real deal when pregnant and I legit look about 5 months pregnant whenever I eat! All of my clothes are tight so I went straight to Amazon and bought myself a belly band! Here's to hoping it works or i'm wearing pj's for the rest of this pregnancy.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 6&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Still exhausted. Still bloated. Still have incredibly sore boobs. Such fun.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bedtime has moved to 8pm on the regular and i'm totally okay with that.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sickness has really kicked in this week and it's really doing one on me. I don't think I've ever felt so consistently rough. The thought of eating anything makes my stomach turn. The process of eating makes my stomach turn. Having food in my stomach makes my stomach turn. Oh the joys.<br /><br />The anxiety is still there and going strong but being really open and honest with Ben about my fears is a huge help.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 7&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The nausea is still rough and I have a complete aversion to most foods except plain pasta and potatoes (much to the annoyance of Ben). The thought of eating veggies makes me want to hurl but I've been lucky that I haven't actually been physically sick. Here's to hoping this continues.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The exhaustion is still pretty bad so no change there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the weekend I treated myself to some Clarins Tonic Oil as I noticed that I've gotten a few stretch marks on my boobs already. I'm starting early in the hope that I can prevent as many as possible on my tummy!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 8</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the beginning of the week we had our first OB appointment which was SUPER exciting! We got to see our baby and it's heartbeat for the first time which was literally the best thing I've ever experienced.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frG2tlhqre8/WUhKGP-qceI/AAAAAAAAASA/ydct492vxi0Th6VRYN7TTzkeJq7vJWPPgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frG2tlhqre8/WUhKGP-qceI/AAAAAAAAASA/ydct492vxi0Th6VRYN7TTzkeJq7vJWPPgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2466.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I physically felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders when I saw the strong heartbeat. I don't think I realised how much I was bracing myself for bad news. The anxiety is still there but it's eased off knowing that the pregnancy is viable and the baby is doing well in there so far.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The baby was dated and we were spot on with our prediction as to how far along I was...8 weeks exactly! Baby is due officially December 27th 2017!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The biggest thing that changed for me this week is that it all feels suddenly very real, like seeing the baby was confirmation that i'm actually pregnant and my body wasn't tricking me. Ben is convinced that we're having a girl and I think it's a boy so looking forward to finding out in a few weeks when we do one of the genetic tests that lets us know. I can't wait to be smug when it's a boy...teehee!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This week the nausea hasn't been too rough. My sense of smell is off the charts though. At the weekend I finally caved and bought some maternity clothes and thank goodness we did...I'm so much more comfortable now.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 9</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seems like the tiredness is lifting ever so slightly (no more naps the second I get home!) and the nausea is getting more manageable. Some days are worse than others but its definitely better on the whole so I'm counting my blessings.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My skin on the other hand is AWFUL... congested, spotty, oily and dull. Not only can I not be bothered to do anything about it but my diet is so random and dependent on what I can stomach that it's definitely not helping. Suppose I'll just have to put up with that.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 10&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well well well, I'm finalllllyyy feeling pretty normal! The sickness has all but gone and i'm only a little more tired than usual. I'm also not looking pregnant <b>at all </b>anymore due to the fact that the dreaded bloating has eased off.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In terms of my skin.. it's starting to clear up after I switched a few of my products to lighter and anti-bac ones.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This week we had our genetic screening blood test. It's to identify the risks of our baby having a genetic disorder such as Down Syndrome, Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18... we'll find out the results in 7-10 days. Fingers crossed.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>WEEK 11</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another exciting week..for quite a few reasons! I'm feeling entirely normal now...no more sickness, no more all encompassing exhaustion and i'm actually wanting to eat vegetables again. Score.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We also got the results from our genetic screening test...and everything was normal. The tests came back negative reducing the chance of a genetic disorder to only about 3%.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We also found out that we're having a <span style="color: blue;">BABY BOY</span>!!<br /><br />The test tells you with about a 98% accuracy of the gender so we're going with boy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most excitingly is the fact that my tummy is also starting to take shape! The bloating is gone and i'm officially showing. A nice little bump (which I can't stop touching)....it's all so exciting!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyfeoBU87EY/WUhKO3DC6ZI/AAAAAAAAASE/xEzW7CZynhYOBzpuHj_gk1lF8TKNRA3qgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyfeoBU87EY/WUhKO3DC6ZI/AAAAAAAAASE/xEzW7CZynhYOBzpuHj_gk1lF8TKNRA3qgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2864.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">I've been pretty terrible in keeping a diary since Week 12 as we've been quite busy but things are settled down now so i'm going to start doing more regular updates to keep this this going!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're pregnant or have a baby already, how did you find the first trimester?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Parsons</div><div style="text-align: justify;">x</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-66119139250186138842017-06-27T09:24:00.005-05:002017-06-27T09:24:57.677-05:00HOW WE FOUND OUT WE WERE PREGNANT<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oEmymf2XTk/WVJoX6G5HmI/AAAAAAAAASk/lq_SUtEgnHcRh7C3iTY04PH8N-cYGBHNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oEmymf2XTk/WVJoX6G5HmI/AAAAAAAAASk/lq_SUtEgnHcRh7C3iTY04PH8N-cYGBHNwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2863.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />I suppose now that the cat's out of the bag I should talk about how we found out we were expecting??</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Let me take you back to the 19th April. &nbsp;It was a normal work day morning and whilst getting myself ready I realized that I hadn't gotten my period yet. It was due that day so I was being a little preemptive in my thinking but I grabbed a test anyway not thinking anything of it.<br /><br />Being slightly hungover (whoops), I peed on the stick and saw just one line come up first of all so I said to Ben 'No baby this time' and plonked the test on the kitchen counter and walked away.<br /><br />A couple of minutes later as I came back in the kitchen with my shoes and coat on, ready to head to work and Ben was standing there looking at the test. Silent.<br /><br />Quietly he murmured 'Nicola...I think you should have a look at this, doesn't two lines mean you're pregnant?'.<br /><br /><b>SAY WHAT NOW??</b><br /><br />There were tears in his eyes (and total disbelief in mine) as we stood there completely fucking flabbergasted. Shaking my head in shock I mumbled something incoherent about it "never usually having two lines" when I took a test and simultaneously smiling and giggling like an idiot. We stood there in complete shock for a couple of minutes before we decided to get some more tests on the way to work to confirm.<br /><br />The walk to work that day was certainly an interesting one as we tried to process the news! When we both got home from work that day I took another test. Another two lines.<br /><br />I then took another one the day after. Just to make sure. And then another one.<br /><br />Yup...<b>definitely pregnant!&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Doctors appointments were made and we spent the next two weeks pretty much in shock.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the news (finally) sunk in a little more we got to getting really excited about growing our little family. We told all our families a week later and managed to capture it all on video which was hilarious!<br /><br />I kept an early pregnancy diary throughout the whole first trimester and will be sharing that soon for all of you interested.<br /><br />We're so excited and can't wait to share this journey with you all!!<br /><br />Love,<br />The Parsons xx</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-15616268738233412822017-06-15T17:06:00.002-05:002017-06-15T17:06:48.707-05:00IT'S BEEN A WHILE...Oh hi!<div><br />It’s been a while, hasn’t it?<br /><br />Well, I have a good excuse. I've been growing a baby! <br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89QuHUZ-9dE/WUMBwHPHcII/AAAAAAAAARQ/5B5H9zez_BYV5ib8Oc7fvYIhFkWgtI7CACLcBGAs/s1600/19092616_10158943339885650_6547607163554170962_o.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89QuHUZ-9dE/WUMBwHPHcII/AAAAAAAAARQ/5B5H9zez_BYV5ib8Oc7fvYIhFkWgtI7CACLcBGAs/s640/19092616_10158943339885650_6547607163554170962_o.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaU_aB0IgXk/WUMBx4EgAfI/AAAAAAAAARU/IuL5DEi3TFEPJeX-kuhCJ7s9U4JLXT9RQCEwYBhgL/s1600/19105742_10158943340630650_8867098579577289709_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaU_aB0IgXk/WUMBx4EgAfI/AAAAAAAAARU/IuL5DEi3TFEPJeX-kuhCJ7s9U4JLXT9RQCEwYBhgL/s640/19105742_10158943340630650_8867098579577289709_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Baby Boy Parsons is due December 27th 2017! <br /><br />Now the news is finally out there I can't wait to start blogging again...every time I sat down to write in the last few weeks I felt like a liar so I just chose to not blog instead.<br /></div><div>But i'm back and have lots to share over the next few weeks... can't wait to have you along with us for this next crazy adventure :)<br /><br />Love, <br />All three Parsons xxx</div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-9102869173958741062017-04-28T14:34:00.000-05:002017-04-28T14:34:33.416-05:00WEEKENDING 4/28/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_lmXZDO080/WQOXEO6SWwI/AAAAAAAAAQk/6RXwo7X3k-owyINr83hnsryFEWFoTs2-gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_lmXZDO080/WQOXEO6SWwI/AAAAAAAAAQk/6RXwo7X3k-owyINr83hnsryFEWFoTs2-gCLcB/s640/IMG_2114.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I blinked and it's basically May. I mean honestly, how has that happened?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">April was spent mostly relaxing but with some roadtrippin' at the beginning of the month. We traveled down to Nashville and Florida to see my family and hang out at the beach for the weekend. My sister got engaged the day we arrived in Fort Walton which was AWESOME and planning is already well under way!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nashville turned out to be incredibly fun and a post on the bars, restaurants and hotels we stayed at will be coming soon!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohOJC6UoV-U/WQOXJyzrdNI/AAAAAAAAAQo/VhEInJHNDhE4gHKCCws-E-mNQzCLSFV9wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohOJC6UoV-U/WQOXJyzrdNI/AAAAAAAAAQo/VhEInJHNDhE4gHKCCws-E-mNQzCLSFV9wCLcB/s640/IMG_2092.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So... I thought it would be fun to start a little 'weekending series' on here every Friday about the week just gone and the weekend coming so here goes....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Weekend plans</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Saturday night we've got dinner booked with all the guys who came over to Chicago from London. We're heading to the West Loop for dinner at <a href="http://www.greenstreetlocal.com/">Green Street Local</a> and drinks after at <a href="http://www.theallis.com/">The Allis</a>. Here's to hoping I can stay awake past 10pm to enjoy it! Sunday we have no plans so depending on the weather we might go for a walk or just relax at home watching films, doing some restorative yoga and knitting.. ah the perfect Sunday!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Chicago Life</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Chi-town is looking so pretty at the moment with the planters full of tulips. The weather is temperamental as usual (boiling one day, chilly the next) but spring feels right around the corner and I can't wait!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Must Watch show</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Haidmaids Tail on Hulu! It's freaky and messed up but oh so good.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Favourite thing this week</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hosted Book Club on Monday and it was so fun. We read 'Pretty Girls' by Karin Slaughter and it was equal parts horrifying and addictive - definitely not a book for the fainthearted. This month we're branching out and listening to a pod-cast instead; 'S-TOWN'. I've actually listened to it already but it's so good i'm happy to listen again. I need more people to talk to about it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Song of the week</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anything by Ben Howard. I don't think i've ever listened to an album more than I have 'Every Kingdom'. Apart from Florence of course.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Awkward</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Propping up in bed to take a drink the other night, only to have what seemed like a gallon of water fall right out the side of your mouth.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Awesome</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being able to watch the prettiest sunsets right from the comfort of our bed. It never gets boring.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfcAwP_rgys/WQOX801O5-I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/b2_Vhned34gJxSQSnBodkenRX7bEfRlLQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfcAwP_rgys/WQOX801O5-I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/b2_Vhned34gJxSQSnBodkenRX7bEfRlLQCLcB/s640/IMG_2079.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have a good weekend y'all!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Parsons x</div></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078639644883620005.post-55106532668960508072017-03-29T20:18:00.001-05:002017-04-28T14:41:36.397-05:00WELL WASNT THAT A BORING WEEKEND??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Il4Y11EwfvM/WNxcHmthNhI/AAAAAAAAAPY/p1OUwTHCcAUDs86rsLWR7TvEgXiJADVEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Il4Y11EwfvM/WNxcHmthNhI/AAAAAAAAAPY/p1OUwTHCcAUDs86rsLWR7TvEgXiJADVEgCLcB/s640/IMG_1316.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In classic 'i'm getting old' style, how the fuck is it nearly April? Seriously, how has that come round so quick?? Time is SERIOUSLY going by faster the older I get. When I was growing up my Dad used to bang on about it but I never really got it. But now?? I get it. I get it pretty darn loud and clear.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Besides Chicago's temperamental weather (read: mood swings) there really isn't a lot for me to talk about! We had GRAND plans at the weekend to explore some new neighborhoods but the weather gods simply didn't agree so we spent most of the weekend at home. It was crazy foggy, drizzly and cold all weekend so no regrets there about bailing on our plans. Instead we facetimed our families, watched lots of films, ordered Thai and lazed around. On Sunday we did briefly venture out for brunch but came straight back after and caught up on the latest season of New Girl.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A weekend well spent.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But here's to this weekend being more exciting yeah?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Nicola Parsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05476585748601065924noreply@blogger.com0